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Norton Wood

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  1. Norton Wood

    King Tiger Part 1

    By Norton Wood,

    King Tiger 104 at Bovington in 2017 during the Tiger Collection Display
     
    The King Tiger, Germany's Final major Tank Development, combining the Tiger I and Panther, this combined the very best, using this Tiger's Armour with the Panther's Sloped Armour. This tank made all Allied tanks in the field look like toys and the King Tiger almost In penetrable from the front.
     
    These are a few selected Tanks Fielded by the nations fighting the war in France & Belgium)
     
    British Forces:
     
    Comet - Late 1944 Only - Medium Tank
    Cromwell - Medium Tank
    Centaur - Medium Tank with Cromwell with Howitzer fitted
    Churchill Mk VII - Heavy Tank
    Sherman - Medium Tank
    Sherman Firefly- Medium Tank fitted with British 17pdr Gun the only gun that could take on German Tanks from range.
    Achilles (Wolverine) - Tank Destroyer
     
    US Forces:
     
    Sherman - Medium Tank
    Wolverine - Tank Destroyer
    Hellcat - Tank Destroyer & Recon Tank
    Jackson - Tank Destroyer
    Chaffee - Recon
     
    German Forces
     
    King Tiger/Tiger II - Heavy Tank
    Panther - Medium Tank (Heavy Tank by Allied standards)
    Tiger I - Heavy Tank
    Panzer IV - Medium Tank
    Jagd Panther - Heavy Tank Destroyer/ Assult Gun
     
    The Germans out gunned everything even the Firefly...
     
    So because of my interest building Tanks from the past and so far I've built 3 WW1 Tanks (Two British 1 German) - 2 Cold War Tanks (Centurion & Chieftain) and the Sherman FURY (American ww2) from the film Fury, I thought I'd build a tank from WW2 from the German side of the conflict:
     

     
    So at Christmas, I was kindly given this Kit of the German King Tiger Tank by MENG in 1/35 Scale. This kit is nothing short but amazing, the quality of the molding is astounding, the kit has had molded into the plastic as if it was properly cast, showing the pitting and rough edges that metal would gain when going through the casting process. Furthermore, the kit has been gas cut out of the steel and the welding marks where it has been put together by the men in the factories (Yes Men not Women - It was deemed un-womenly if the women went into the factories so German Men built and fought in their tanks).
     

    The Modeling News - Photograph
     
    How is it going to look?
     
    History for King Tiger 105
     
    The Tank I intend to do is the King Tiger No.105 as part of the Kompanie SS - Pz, Abt 501 K-G Peiper which was commanded by Obersturmführer Jürgen Wessel, on the 18th of November 1944 (Two Day's into the Battle of the bulge) A formation of King Tigers were moving towards Stavelot in Belgium roughly 107 Miles from Antwerp (The German's Target of the whole operation) The town at the time was held by the American's. A Wolverine Tank knocked out the lead tank (No. 105) 88mm gun, the commander Wessel moved the column along another road which was parallel to the main road, at which point it is believed something spooked the German commander, forcing the tank to retreat, the tank smashed into a house and the gearbox of the tank was destroyed. Following this Commander Wessel jumped onto the second tank King Tiger No. 132 in the column and directed the Tank to the threat, which is believed was destroyed. The Tank Column moved forwards to Antwerp leaving King Tiger 105. After the battle, the tank was found by the American's when these photos were taken.
     

     

     

     
    These photos have been so reliable I've been able to work out what camouflage pattern & style that Tiger 105 carried, in addition to this I've been able to work out the German RAL Colour Schemes. Thankfully German Tanks in 1944 tended to carry only 3 different colours as part of the Camo they carried and German Tanks Tended to be quite personalized as the Sand Coat was applied in the factory & the crews themselves applied the rest of the camouflage as it depended on the area in which they were fighting. In this case, Tiger 105 was in a form of the German Ambush Camouflage but having white dots, dotted around the tank to act as snow. To aid the camouflaging of the tank when trying to avoid Allied Recon or Ground Attack Aircraft.
     
    German Camouflage Numbering Scheme:
     
    RAL 7028 - Sand Basecoat
    RAL 6003 - Dark Green
    RAL 8017 - Red Brown
     
    So using the photo's I've managed to come up with these photos for the Camo scheme that the tank will carry, further to that I bought some Decals from Star Military Decals via Hannnetts which they have various types of Tanks which modelers can do. In this case, I had the choice of doing 3 King Tigers 2 with the Zimmerit Armour plating and 1 without this being King Tiger 105 and the reason why the whole journey began.
     

     

     

     

     
    So after all that in the next part I'm going to cover the Sprews & the beginning of the kit build, so until next time happy modeling.
  2. Norton Wood
    Perhaps the most famous German Ace of the Great War, Manfred Von Richthofen, or as we all know him The Red Barron! 
     
    The aim is to do his Fokker dr.1 Tri-plane, in the well known Red colour scheme but there's a difficulty with painting the Red Baron's aircraft...Which one do you choose? According to various sources out there are a number of camouflages which he carried on the Fokker dr.1, too many for me to go through but for those interested I recommend a quick search on Google or look for Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No.40 ( Fokker d1 Aces of WW1) by Norman Franks and Greg Van Wyngarden. This book shows no less than 4 camouflages, it must be noted that the Baron had more than 1 aircraft as others would act as spare or to perform other duties, such as airbase visits. So with that my aim is to do the Red Baron's Red Fokker dr.1 with the white flashes on the wings, tail and fuselage. I prefer this as it split's the red on the aircraft up and the Crosses on the aircraft look far more menacing, in addition it stands out in my opinion. 
     

     
    Anyway... To the Build; 
     
    The first thing to do, was to get the cockpit together, to do this I needed to paint everything inside. Personally I think it has turned out quite well. 
     
     
    Next was to work on getting the rest of the aircraft together which you can see throughout these photo's below. 
     
     
     

     
     

     
     
     
     

     
    To end off the cowl, propeller and radial engine are removable so when it comes to painting it'll look the part without any issues, for those who are keen eye'd the tail rudder is not fitted, this is simply because of the paint job shown in the photo above. This'll be painted and decals will be fitted. It'll then just be painting the Baron's aircraft into Red. 
     
     
    All for the next part. So until next time
  3. Norton Wood
    Thanks to current events,my final year at University has gone mad so work on all modelling project's has had to stop. But fortunately I can see light as I've finished my degree...Phew!! 
     
    Just for a change of pace, and knowing my skill set I felt I could build and paint this all in a day, this wagon holds memories to me as it's my home town of Attleborough in Norfolk. This wagon was owned by John Park-Wick's, I managed to find a photo of him in front of his Ford Model T Pickup to take coal from the GE to the local's in the town.
     

     
    I believe the photo is in what is the current car park at the station, it's hard to tell but having lived and been around the station for so long I feel as if I know the station and surrounding area quite well. 
     
    Anyway back to the model...
     
     
    The kit came nicely packed and the paint finish on the wagons sides was impressive. 

     
    The kit is fairly simply to put together the only thing I had to worry about was not to damage the paint work, and to get the under frame and W Irons painted before gluing
     

     
    Once I had put the W Irons and wagon frame into primer it meant I could focus on putting the rest of the kit together
     

     
    Next was to focus on the break rigging, a fiddly but fun job, not as fiddly as the last job. 

     
    And there we have it the wagon built and looking very nice! Just the buffers & couplings to go
     

     
    And here's the end result, I'm pretty happy with it, I need to get myself some Humbrol 100, those keen eyed will notice a few area's where filing the flash off has scrubbed the paint. Once that's finished I'll give the wagon a coat of Matt Varnish. 
     
     
    Anyway that's it for now, until my degree is finished. Once that has happened I can begin to focus on the LNER A3!
     
    Thanks
    Tom
     
  4. Norton Wood
    So with the last parts of my degree finished, I can give myself a few weeks before I move to pastures new...
     
    So it's worth mentioning what has happened too me since writing and planning for the Hattons A3, I had a sudden realization that getting something
    such as a RTR A3 would actually cause more hassle than it would be practical. Of course the original intention for the A3 would be to operate at a friends garden railway. 
    Which is still very much the case, however, in the time since finishing my degree it has become very clear to myself that getting something smaller for a operational layout would 
    in fact be better, the cost of owning and running the A3 would in fact be harder as it would probably spend more time in the box rather than running, in addition it has allowed me to look
    into investing my money into more rolling stock, as plans develop for a kit of an LNER Sundry Van or LNER Fruit Van.
     
    So, much like previous projects where I have changed my mind, which I find myself fully entitled to do! 
     
    History
     
    Briefly the J68's or GER C72 Class were built in 3 Batches of 10, producing a total of 30 engines, the first 10 were built for passenger services in mind ( Fitted with Screw link couplings, Screw reverser's, Vacuum and Air breaking)  and the last 20 were build with shunting duties in mind.  The first 10 are where my interest lie's, as the locomotives flexibility  can allow the engine to pull small passenger & mixed freight trains. 
     
    The Kit
     
    What has struck me is the ability to develop these kits, looking through the instructions it is very clear that a locomotive can in fact be modified to appear in multiple different forms,
    in this case the locomotive can have Ross Poppet Safety Valves, Ramsbottom Safety Valves, Condensing gear and GER or LNER type Chimney's. It's very clear that attention to detail is key here,
    although most modelers would take this kit to the next step in development by looking to purchase extra components to adapt the model to look and perhaps operate to a higher standard. For
    those who follow my modelling and know my M.O. it was almost destined that I take the kit as it came and develop it further to become a better kit overall.
     
    Replacement parts
     
    This is where we begin with the first major parts that I am replacing between the kit and other small companies, in this case I have replaced the buffers from the white metal versions to 
    turned brass & sprung buffers by Markits for GER Tank Engine Locomotives. The next major change has come in the form of the couplings, as Connoisseur produce a basic coupling for show more than anything else, however I went to H&A models and got myself some working screw link couplings. The final major part which I have replaced is from Ragestone Models,  in which case we have the replacement Ramsbottom Safety valves next to there counter part and the replacement reversing wheel, regulator & gland. 
     

     
    The only part not being used is the GE whistle which can be used for other project's in the future. 
     
    Frames
     
    Any solid base for a model or even a real locomotive lie's in the frames, as per the instructions we will focus on the frames and get them to a good state before I even look at doing the body. surprisingly this was rather easy to sort out. However this being my first O gauge kit I thought right I'll take my time anyway. I am rather impressed how quickly the instructions move to get the frames together for the loco, after 4 major segments of the instructions I had the frames together and ready for major assembly. Swiftly moving to fitting the rest bar the brakes everything was rather straight forward.
     
     

     

     
    Body
     
    Following this the body was a pure joy to build nothing too complex other than the beading which fits into the cabsides and the smokebox but after stopping and thinking all came together rather easy.  The tanks all fairly easy to put together. All in all it has been rather enjoyable to get the kit to this point. 
     
     

    The kit is very quick moving once you reach this point
     

     
     
    Anyway that's all for part 1 I will produce part 2 tomorrow and bring you up to date as to how the locomotive looks right now...
     
    Thanks 
    Tom
     
     
  5. Norton Wood
    Since ordering the set from Isinglass Models and having been informed of how long it can take for the set to be produced I spent a bit of time collecting resources, so I thought I should briefly talk through what I found and what you'll need if your to build a similar set whether it be a; Quint, Quad or Twin. So recently these items arrived: 
     
    Transfers - X2 LNER Coach Numbers - X2 LNER Class door numbers - 1 Pack of LNER Corporate lettering & Guard lettering - 1 Pack of White A-Z 0-9 numbers  (Quint Only)  Phoniex Paints - P995 Teak Basecoat  -P997 Golden Teak - P65 LNER Roof Grey - Plus Humbrol No.32 Grey (This'll act as weathering for the teak at the end)   
    Interestingly before I purchased the transfers I checked how many 3rd class door transfers I'd need to apply onto the door sides the total being 66 doors, this is fine except Fox only give you 60 3rd class decals. (Just to be clear that's not a complaint but it's annoying when you're doing such a large set of coaches). So it meant I had to purchase 2 Sets of the LNER Door class numbers. Photo below: 
     

     
    Fox transfers are well known for producing high-quality stuff but of course, with that comes a premium. Although I do feel that it's worth it when the final product rolls out. 
     
    While looking for paints I spent a bit of time looking for how I should carry this technique out, so I came across this page on RM Web discussing at length how teak should be finished. Of course, looking at the sets of teak even on one coach all the panels have different states of finish upon them so when doing teak it's been recommended to me to spray the base coat while hand-painting the panels, before gloss varnish and transfers, followed by the satin coat & the weathering. Thanks to the people on this page I have learned quite a lot and will use this info when going forwards. 
    Interestingly Isinglass, produced these 3D Printed Bogies, these were sent out to modelers who were interested, so we could test them and see how they would perform. The result of that was the bogies are fine to use under Ian Kirk kits but work is required to make them fit in and operate perfectly. I had to drill out the holes for the brass bearings to go in, allowing the wheels to roll smoothly. Which proved to be fine, and put under a Hornby Teak & kitbashed coach I'm working on I had no problems at all. From what Andy / Issinglass models have said, a little bit more work is required to finalize them, but it has meant that I will no longer require spare Hornby Teak Bogies, and I'll be able to get more accurate, a closer connection between the coaches. 
     

     
     

     

     
    As for the rest of the build, at the time of writing work on the CAD files for the coaches has begun, as is such to the detail that Isinglass go to, I was asked the era and type of quint I wanted to model, as the LNER had a number of batches made and under different diagram's. Too which I have requested the latter LNER Metropolitan Cammell, built stock, of which they only built 4 sets 136A & B and 137A & B, which follows the LNER Diagram's 81,82,83 & 85 set, which makes these coaches completely unique to the original batch built in the 1920s. Which is what we expect when you go to extra-long lengths to get these things right. 
     
     
     
    Hopefully, I will be able to produce another update soon, as I'm enjoying the writeup's far too much. 
     
    Cheers 
    Tom
     
  6. Norton Wood
    So what does N&SBLR mean??
     
    It means Norfolk & Suffolk Boarders light railway, the reason for this name was because we wanted to incorporate some of our favorites line from around the area in which we live. As part of the Whitwell & Reepham Model Railway Club, we have keen interests centered on the M&GN and Great Eastern railways, but with Norfolk and Suffolk sporting two amazing little lines with some amazing loco's we needed an excuse to make or purchase models for this layout.
     
    Initially, the layout was in the form of Board 1 which was and still is called "Terriers Territory", this layout set the standard for the rest of the layout, a simple 3 ft by 1 ft board, this was meant for a competition (I forget which one) Based upon the middy & Wissington Branch, the layout was taken to the first Bawesdwell Model Railway show back in 2016, there was thought for building a second piece which came to nothing, a week before the newbuild J50 Group model show, a club member took away terriers territory and build the second board, this began the formation of N&SBLR, which we came up with the name while at the show.
     
    This has developed into quite the interest for our modelers in the club. Each modeler has been given the task of creating a scene 3ft long by 1ft wide. Each board must be seamless and fit in with the previous board so the next member must create the next board, using the previous board which has been made as reference. It has grown so much that now, all 4 club members will build two boards which will mean the layouts full length could be 18 ft long by 1ft wide.
     
    Currently, the third board has been planned and built, but we are yet to have seen these...but I have been given the task of building the fourth board.
     
    So here we go...
     
    Going back to my GE route and having an excuse to purchase something fate came in the form of the Model Rail Magazine LNER J70 0-6-0 Tram, which I was intending to get, but with N&SBLR being built, it gave the locomotive a purpose, something which I could use for display and for exhibitions.
     

     
    This is the model I have ordered, which I think may well prove to be the most popular, this being MR-209 7137 in LNER Unlined Black with full skirts. (Photo by Model Rail Magazine) . Plus as the model gets closer to being finished the need for board 4 increases so it seems logical to start working on this now.
     
    In addition to this, 3-period wagons have been bought for the layout to serve the coal merchant at different periods of time, two LNER and one departmental 1950's mineral wagon, which was typically hauled along the W&U when being operated by the last of the J70's and the early Diesel shunters of the day. This is also to reflect that the layout will be running; Industrial tanks, J15's, J70's, Diesel Shunters and the occasional locomotive bought by a modeler for testing. All to reflect the idea's which the club want to produce to gain a bigger love for light railways and smaller (backwater) railways of the day.
     
    The Plan
     
    As for the plan this has gone through four different plans and six drawings of this have been made up, from what we've discussed in the club, with a small scene it has to fit nicely by itself before it can successfully sit with other smaller scenes. So for board No.4 which is what this will be called, I've gone with a Wisbeach & Upwell (W&U) theme, following the drawing below. It will have a single road (track) progressing from one side to the other with a point which will lead to a simple siding which will serve a coal Merchant ( I. Jones - A story has been planned for him).
     
    Opposite this will be either a field (Which I think is a tad boring) or a Pillbox which is appropriate, as by the 1930's and onward. These were being built because of the threat of invasion and afterward, they stuck around and can still be seen today. So it suits our area perfectly and being next to a railway line gives our Home Guard Volunteers or typical British Tommy on the lookout for the odd spy, it also gives latter day soldiers a perfect training building for defending a solid structure.
     

     
    Modeling
     
    To press on with some modeling I have begun working on a mineral wagon by Parkside, this was something I was given at Christmas last year, which I have finally got round to building. Of course, having worked on these kits before, it was more or less a ten-minute job to put together. I intend to undercoat and paint this while the weather is good enough to work with an airbrush. But the result has been rather good and I'm very pleased with that.
     

     

     

     
    As for loads, as the wagon is going to serve the coal merchant, I intend to have the wagon set at two levels, so it is shunted in full and it will leave the yard almost empty.
     

     
    Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this first part of the N&SBLR Modular layout, I intend to put another update after I have built the board and begin the physical planning.
  7. Norton Wood
    Having returned from the Great Electric Train show, I, of course, did the most dangerous thing...buying things.
     
    The show was very good, although I think it could have done with a few more layouts themed at different periods and area's as most were BR, GWR, SR or BR (S) or BR (W). Something I think Hornby Magazine needs to look at in future... Unless I am missing a point with them and there focus is Southern & GWR??
     
    Anyway while at the event I needed to get quite a lot of things to support the layout to add lots of little details...
     
    I purchased:
     
    Will Kit
    Ratio Kit
    Double O gauge society Sleeper spacer and track gauge
    Black Ballast/ Coal
    TMC's specially ordered Plate Wagon, which has been weathered to suit
    Road Signs - As part of the Grimy Times stand
    And finally the buffer heads for the Mineral wagon
     

     
    The next day I set about building the kits and working on regauging the track, plus a few interesting things that modelers might like...
     
    The board
     
    So I sourced some wood to make the board, and so far the frame has been made with a plan to use some mdf to make the baseboard. At the time of writing this has been cut down and will be cut to the 3ft by 1ft size required. As of Sunday the 21st of October I will be testing the layout with board 1 to see if my measurements have been correct, this will be at my local model club so if you are in Norfolk and fancy a visit to a small upcoming heritage line, you can come to Whitwell & Reepham Station.
     

     
    Track Laying
     
    As readers will know the track plan was already set up, however, the plan was to lay the track and leave it. Well at the Great Electric Train Show I bought a sleeper spacer so the sleepers would be to the correct spacing to British Standard Gauge. This took around an hour and a half to carry out but I finished that job, laid the track and tested it. The Point, of course, I've not changed but I will cover up the sleepers so it's practically impossible to see that the sleepers are the wrong gauge.
     
    Here are the results
     

     

     
    Once that had been completed I began laying the track and getting it into the right position, which has turned out quite nicely.
     
    (Photos)
     
    Talking about track something I would like to do in future using correct 4mm Track will be from 'Finescale - Track building Systems' which have been working on something which will be better than the Peco 'bullhead' range - The photos below are from the Great Electric Train show, I have to say I'm very impressed with the track, as it not only has the sleepers correctly molded and spaced but also will show the chair and keys which will be molded into the sleeper, something which will also cost a lot lot less than the Peco range which has a lot more compromises, plus the track is being made in the UK. From my discussion, there should be lengths of track available in November at Warley.
     

     

     
    Little Bits
     
    In the meantime, I've been working on the coal merchant building, Staiths, Road signposts, and the mineral wagon.
     
    Merchant building & Staiths
     
    So what has been done so far is the building has gone into White Primer followed by painting of the brickwork, roof tiles, and the wood to follow the LNER theme being Green & Cream. The Staiths had gone into Grey Primer followed by painting into matt black, and the coal painted into Satin black. After that had dried I began using the coal I had bought and used it to cover up the plastic coal effect from the molding.
     

     

     

     

     

     
    Road Signposts
     
    Quite an easy job really, firstly I cut out the signs that I wanted, I then found some brass wire which I had lying around which I used on my P2 & W1 kits. The wire and back of the sign were painted black. After this had dried I applied white paint to give the black with white stripes on the signs. After this, a little weathering left this effect.
     

     
    The wording says - "Crossing No Gates"
     
    Mineral Wagon
     
    So far the only progress that has been made is the white primer, as we enter Autumn, getting good weather is getting harder and harder to get the ability to go out with the airbrush and paint the model grey is getting harder to do. But I shall endure and will wait until a good day comes around where I can do this.
     
    So, all in all, it's been a productive time working on this layout, and I've enjoyed working on it so far. But I can't do any more work until the Whitwell & Reepham Model Railway Show, as board 4 will be part of a demonstration that I will be working on, over that event.
     

     
    To end off then, board 1 has now got a name as each section will have a name it's now called "Thelveton". As this is what our light railway terminus station will be called.
     

     
    Until next time
  8. Norton Wood
    I'm back once again, 
     
    This update is mainly to bring you to speed with the build...
     

     
    With the cab, tool boxes, backhead (removable) and other controls fitted, the loco is starting to come alive!!
     
    Sadly I have reached the stage where I have in fact made a mistake with the back of the cab(which you cannot see). However, Nothing is ever permanent and brass is so forgiving as I have found out, that I will correct the back of the cab to get the back into the right place!! It's all about learning, but thinking now, having worked on the footplate you would have thought I would have noticed this mistake, must be the lack of actual footplate work I haven't done in the last 4 months!! 
     

     
    Once the cab was built up, I quickly moved onto building the Smokebox, the non-riveted GER early LNER type, once completed the boiler is fitted with the boiler bands and the brass strip which splits the boiler and smokebox apart...Something to paint in brass once the kit is painted!!! This then moved to fitting the top of the tanks and preparing for the cab roof and foot steps. 
     

     
    With those things completed, a test fit was in order, sadly this was the point where I had run out of 145 solder, the cab was completed and the footsteps put in. The only major parts I could do were the white metal castings and the start of clean up!!
     

     
    However, I had plenty of electrical solder, this meant I could get on with getting the motor moving the loco, firstly I began with putting the loco between the lid and bottom of the box to see where the tight spots are on the wheels. I did this by loose fitting some wires to the motor then testing it, following the problems being resolved I fitted all the wiring to the pickups. After running and filing for while the loco was prepared for operation with all the axles, bearing and connecting rods receiving oil, allowing me to put the J68 on the track and ran for the first time without assistance!! I must admit for a first brass kit I was very proud, further proof will come in the form of my You Tube video's of this running in the future!!
     

     
    As you can see the loco is starting to look rather nice, this is how the kit now looks, as of the today ( 12/07/2020) I was kindly given the decals I require from fellow club members, which are the correct type I require for the tank-sides!! More clean up is certainly required, but I am steadily getting though it all, I should have it finished by the next part in terms of the build then it will be one big clean up job before the etched primer goes on and of course PAINT!!
     
    Anyway thanks again,
     
    Tom
     
     
  9. Norton Wood
    I have once again been able to spend time working on the layout, progress has been fairly constant. I must admit after the last update I wasn't sure what else to do on the layout before I wait for the new Peco Bullhead Double Slip, but I was given a few pointers before hand, and have made some excellent progress. 
     
    Track work 
     
    Since the last update, I had the track down but because of the fiddly nature of the Bullhead rail I needed to get the track glued in and kept in place so I could do more tasks. In this case I spent a full day working on keeping the track straight and in gauge. However it has turned out better than expected and watching the locomotives and wagons running up & down the layout I cannot see any nooks where the track curves away from anything but being straight. I began with drilling the holes for the point motors, followed by gluing the point and the extension leading into the tunnel in place. Of course this was a repeating process. The only other little job was to put the plastic isolating fish-plates in ( ?? Isolated track in Isolation??). 
     
    Which resulted in all the track on the Up line (Leading into the tunnel from P1) with the exception of the point leading off the double slip running into P1. Plus all the track on the down line leading into the double slip is now down. I have also soldered the power to the layout so now I do not have the horrid connection under the sleepers with the likelihood of the wires coming out from under the track when I am conducting work.
     

     
    The next step was to weather the track using a rust type paint, of course I looked into a number of paint types, but felt that Humbrol's 113 Rust was the best colour for the job, which has added to the look of the layout as a whole. So far I have only painted the track glued down, but to make my job a little easier I will be painting the track which hasn't been glued in yet. Particularly the points which were rather difficult when trying to paint the track in place. After that the track was cleaned, a much harder job now as I have to try and not clean the check Rails on the point work, however cleaning the grime off the track has left some residue on the side of the line which looking at track from the 1930's and even now there are little pieces of grime laying about so it's working well for the betterment of the scene. 
     

     

     
    Wagons 
     
    The Fish train is now completed, using nothing but the Parkside LNER, 12ft, 10 ton, Dia.134, Fish Van's I feel I have captured the look of a typical Eastern freight working which would have likely been seen on the LNER entering and leaving the Capital. 
     
    Further additions include this Chivers LNER Loco coal wagon, which from my experience with Chivers kits has been that they are easy to put together and very high quality models. Just a shame that there's not the large amount of them around and readily available anymore. 
     

     
    Apart from the major steps on the track work and rolling stock front nothing much has happened, I am waiting on a bulk order of paint and other smaller items to finish off further jobs which I will report on, in the next part. Although I do plan to put a video up on You Tube of trains running on the layout for a bit of entertainment. 
     
     
    Thanks for reading 
    Tom

  10. Norton Wood
    Since the last update, it's been mainly lots of little jobs. Nothing too major in terms of project advancement but it's all in aid to finish the project off. 
     
     
    To start off, with coach No.1 being the 1/3rd Composite (Originally built 1st/2nd Comp) I spent two days painting figures, there are fairly basic figures which you can buy off eBay for £1.50 getting 25 figures in each bag. I bought enough so I have 94 figures in total and to date I have finished 28 figures, fitting 20 into the the comp. The intention is to fit 18-20 figures per coach, showing that the set is full of passenger depicting a typical "crush period" for the  Quints when running. At the time of writing I have 8 finish figures which will go with another 12 set of undercoated figures awaiting there turn for painting, these figures will then move into the No.2 coach.  As per the photo a bit of a production line has begun. 
     

     
    The next job followed on, getting the rest of the compartment seats into White Primer, following this I painted the seats into Red for 3rd class seating, allowing for time to dry I then painted the partition walls into white. I must say it is really nice to see them all painted, really did bring the inside to life. Further too this I then began a bit of experimentation this involved looking at the LNER Quad Art set at the North Norfolk railway to gain an understanding for how the coaches looked on the inside. 
     

     
     
    Next job, sadly this is given away in the top left photo, yes the bogies. I thought it was about time the bogies were painted, this being a fairly easy job, as the brass bearings were already fitted the bogies only required them to be put into primer and painted into black. once fitting the white walled tyres I have to say the Quints are really starting to look the part. It's all these little jobs which do add up when you've spent nearly 3/4 days carrying this work out. 
     

     
    With that all done, the next job will be to work on the roofs which I will be collecting the correct sized versions at the festival of Railway Modelling at  Peterborough this weekend from Isinglass Models who will also be present at the show. So until next time.
     
    Thanks 
  11. Norton Wood
    To end off...
     
    The Tank has obviously gone for airbrushing, as I finished last time I'd just applied the sand base coat. Following this, I began by painting the Green and following that the Brown, very easily carried out. Following this, I painted the dot's using a small brush using the 3 colours - beginning with sand, Green then Brown. In that pattern. I think the result was brilliant. 
     
    Following this I gave the model the gloss coat, following that I applied the decals to the model which took all of 30 minutes, course after I applied the Matt coat which finalized the model, which is not shown here but it has been done, trust me on that one. 
     
    Finally... It's done and on display, before finishing I thought I'd put them next to my brothers Panzer V Panther & Panzer VI Tiger I, so to show the German development of the tank range...quite impressive really. 
     
    Glad to finish another project. 
     
    Thanks
    Tom




  12. Norton Wood

    King Tiger Part 2

    By Norton Wood,

    Having Spent a good long time looking at the actual photo's then looking at two modelers who have carried out this project prior to me starting this (I'll link below to his YouTube Video, who has also linked the other chap) It is clear to me. That to do King Tiger 105 there is a lot of speculation/ artistic license as per the camo it carried, the marking type it carried and whether it carried the German Cross and 501 Flash on the front & rear of the tank.
     
    With that in mind, I have spent a long time thinking about doing King Tiger 105. Which has led me to move away from doing 105 and going freelance with this whole project, I've set upon doing my own King Tiger as part of the 501 near towards the end of 1944 early 1945 in which I will do doing the Number 312, if this was a real tank, please do not say "Oh but this is not to how the real 312 was" I am merely doing this for my own enthusiasm, most of my tanks that I have built have not been based on a real thing BAR my WW1 Mk IV & Medium A which have been painted and detailed as real vehicles.
     
    In the days waiting for the kit to arrive, I was able to go to a model show and pick up the Tamiya Paints (Which I find are very accurate bring out the model when worked on correctly. which I needed for this project, so in this case, I bought, XF - 64 Red Brown, XF- 61 Dark Green and already in my store, XF- 60 Dark Yellow.
    Accompanied by the use of an airbrush these should turn out quite nicely onto the armored behemoth.
     
    With that all being said, the kit arrived a few days ago ( I wrote the first blog without the kit at the time) and I thought I'd get stuck in as there are plenty of reviews of this kit showing the Ins and Outs of this kit.
     
    The photo's below are a selection of photos I took during the build, so please enjoy the build progress.
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
    So yeah, lots of photo's but it's turned out well. I plan to get it into a primer and look into paint the model into the Sand base coat then look at the Green & Brown Coats for the main camouflage.
  13. Norton Wood

    Streamline P2/2 Modification Part 2

    By Norton Wood,


    Modifications
    The following day I posted the upgrade to my LNER P2, I found that the 1.5mm square brass had arrived. 
     
    So following this, I decided to put my hands to building the Walschaerts valve gear for my P2/2. ( Or is it a P2/3??) 
     
    Sitting down to do this required a lot of concentration, however I was able to steadily develop the valve gear. It's easier if the photo's do the talking... Which show each stage of the build. The hardest part was drilling and fitting the pin into the piston head and adjusting the union-link & combination leaver.
     

     

    (Above) Probably the hardest part of the build, drilling through the little end, break or damage this and you destroy the model, as there are no easy replacements. But all went well, and it runs smoothly. 
     
     

     
     

     
    Sadly due to a mistake on my part, the Eccentric rod which goes to the Expansion link broke while I was soldering the model together, so I will need to contact Grahame King for 2 replacements, and I will also need to find a suitable replacement for the main pin to connect to the Big End on the loco. 
     
     
     
    Nothing too major, it's unlikely I will post anything more on this as the loco is 95% complete so I do hope for those who followed the project from its inception to now have enjoyed it and I look forward to a bit more Modification madness in the future. 
     
     
    Post Edit: 
     
    Hi, I have carried out one more extra task which is the replacement of the nameplates, the versions fitted to the model were from Narrow Planet, having looked at the real locomotive and with the NP versions fading into a darker colour rather than retaining the original colour I decided to replace them with Silver Tay versions. This is the results below and I am far far happier with these. 
     

     
    Thanks 
    Tom
  14. Norton Wood

    Streamlined P2/2 Modification

    By Norton Wood,


    Modifications
    Since, finishing the body on my LNER P2 2003, the locomotive was left to look like this: 
     

     
    A nice enough looking model, I am sure you will agree, however the one thing that disappointed me with my model was the wheels. I had hated the "HALO" wheels which my good friend Dan had called them. I must admit I was in the same boat as him. In addition to this the P2 was fitted with a former LNER A3 Tender, which had the lining on the frames. To add to this the P2 Chassis did not as it came from a Railroad model, and this had bugged me for some time. 
     
    Since finishing an O gauge Brass LNER J68, I thought it would be a unique opportunity to finally develop my skills even more, this involved replacing the wheels, re-instating the motor which came with the locomotive & replace the chassis. Nothing too overly complex then.  
     
    Following the complete re-chassis & re-instating the motor for the locomotive I tested it, the motor wasn't  running at it's best so I thought I may need to put the replacement motor in place however following the P2's newly lined wheels arriving I was quick to fit them, in doing this I found the locomotive was running far better and smoother. 
     

     
    As an end result the locomotive looks and run's far better than it used too and I am very pleased with the result, the next job is to fit the Valve gear to the locomotive. Which I will do once the brass arrives. 
     
    Thanks again
     
    Tom
  15. Norton Wood
    It's  been a long haul since I did my last update on MEP, of course these things take time. Now like most layouts where work was able to be carried out due to the Lockdown, however my last update on the 5th of April 2020 was the last thing I was able to do before Lockdown and before the final stages of my Degree. Anyway what has happened since then...
     
    Track work
    Of course as Peco has been busy and I am sure the Double Slip will come out when it can, so recently a brief focus has turned to ballasting, now this is a job which I must admit I wasn't happy with so the likelihood of it remaining down on the board is low. However for a first go it's not too bad however there are issues with some ballast catching on the flanges of the locomotives & rolling stock.  You will have to trust me when I say that the photo does not do the work I have carried out any justice. Since that photo a lot of work was carried out to clean the track up and ensure smooth running. 
     

     
    Locomotives 
     
    I have recently taken stock of a new LNER D16/3 No.8802, in recent history Hornby's LNER D16 suffered with poor weight distribution which in turn meant the locomotives would wheel slip and have a very low capacity to operate any significant load. Particularly on track which has any incline the locomotive simply will not pull it, so on occasion a run up was required to get it up there!! However a friend of mine bought the LNER Apple Green Claud 8900 'Claud Hamilton' now this seemed to operate in a much better way than either of our original LNER Black Claud's ever did (This was the first batch Claud No.8825) I recently took 8802 to operate on a layout which has gradients and is designed to haul to scale length trains and the locomotive performed beautifully. 8802 will replace my current 8837, as 8837 will be renumbered to carry another number as the original 8837 has the double snifiting valves which this model has. 
     

    (Again you can see some of the poor ballasting work which I have had to clean up since taking this photo) 
     
    This also ties nicely with rolling stock, however since building my LNER J68 in O Gauge and I recomend you have a look through, I recently gained a large amount of confidence to purchase & build brass kits of LNER locomotives for this layout. Hot off the press news @David Eveleigh is looking to produce the LNER(GER) T26 and for those interested the Little Sharpie. This locomotive will become a welcome edition to the MEP Fleet, with the potential of having 2 in the future. 
     

    LNER E4 7504 seen here in 1936. This will be the locomotive I look to replicate... ( Photographer Unknown) 
     
    Rolling Stock
     
    On a final note, having found David's work on the internet I am very happy to be able to decide to look into ordering 5/6 of these lovely looking coaches from David. To begin with we will focus on the GER 6 Wheeled stock, and put them into the LNER Colour scheme which was effectively painted Teak. Not a nice colour for such lovely coaches but it is a necessary job. I may eventually purchase the same set again and look to do them in the GER Crimson colour scheme. Eventually I plan to have 4 of the 4 Wheeled Stock as one of the 6 Wheeler's will sit among the 4 wheeler stock. A much more cost effective way of modelling then purchasing a higher priced LNER mock up from the Hattons Genesis coaches. I will note that those coaches are great for people looking to get basic coaches for there Pre-grouping locomotives, and both being at a very competitive price David's product at £37 and Hattons at £30. Personally that extra £7 is worth the money as a modeler you can pay for the detail and the accuracy which the Hattons model will not give you if your a serious modeler like myself. 
     
     
     
    (Photo's above are the property of eveleigh creations 2020) 
     
     
    On another plus planning has begun for purchase of the Isinglass LNER 52-6 Teak coaches which were a regular site on the LNER(GE) Section, I have begun with purchasing drawings and within a few weeks of this coming out I should have the first of the 4/5 coaches required. The aim will be to use them in a variety of passenger roles mixing them with the Hornby 61ft 6in types as that was regularly seen on the LNER(GE) Section and something I wish to replicate. 
     
     
     
    So all in all lots going on and lots being planned it's just a case of getting the beginning items for this layout together!!
     
     
     
     
  16. Norton Wood
    Hello again,
     
    So a lot has happened since the last blog so I'll bring you up to speed. 
     
    In the last blog, I asked for some help regarding the ARC-ing, sadly no-one came forward to give me any hints or tips. So I took the logical step to go back and re-do what I had done, this was a whole afternoon spent trying to get the model to operate, firstly all the brake rigging came off and the engine ran fine. So what became a three hour process of elimination of what was wrong with the locomotive, with a result of the engine running very nicely!!
     

     
    Following that, the model was cleaned again and again, before I decided to put the model into primer!
     

     
    Great Eastern Works Grey anyone??
     
    Anyway, following this the model was painted into black the following day, and just before I sat down to write this I'm just letting the extra's dry now!!
     

     

     
     
    The model is starting to look the part now, the next job after I have given another brief coat of black paint in certain area's. Then this will be handed over to my good friend for the locomotive to be lined in both white around the buffer beam and red around the tank-sides, after this the next job will be to fit the decals to the locomotive. This will be to fit in with the Loco which I am looking to do which is No.7045. In addition to this I have also been working on the GER locomotive disks, you can see these in the background of the photo's above. 
     
     
    Personally I think this will all be rapped up by the end of the next part!!
  17. Norton Wood

    Connoisseur Kit's LNER J68 Part 5 End...?

    By Norton Wood,


    O Gauge Modelling
    Hello again, it's been a rather long time since I put something up on the J68! 
     
    It's fair to say I have finished the locomotive, and I have moved onto other project's, so the best way to go through this, is since getting the loco into black I then moved to paint the cab, cream followed by all the cab fittings, this didn't take too long to do and I really enjoyed doing this part, as it reminds me of when I get the loco's ready in the morning cleaning the cab polishing all the brass ready for the morning. 
     

     

     
    Anyway, moving on I took the opportunity to get the loco into Gloss Varnish ready for decals and fitted them, the loco has brightened up since fitting the decals. Plus I moved to begin painting the head code disks which came in the kit. Plus the extra's which I bought from Ragstone models, for added modelling difference I also fitted brackets to them so they can fit onto the loco's lamp brackets and be removed. However I am thinking I will use Lamps a little more often than disk's. 
     

     

     

     

     
    Finally all is to say that I just have to fit the Steam Heat pipes, order some LNER Works plates & weather the loco, lightly around the smokebox, top of the tanks & cab roof and the loco can be called finished, however I am so pleased how this has turned out for 7045. I think I may have to do an LNER E4 2-4-0 next 
  18. Norton Wood

    New O Gauge Layout - Thatcham

    By Norton Wood,


    O Gauge Modelling
    Hello all, 
     
    So I've been rather busy since finishing my LNER J68, in this time I have built another Loco in the form of a  connoisseur kits LNER J15. 2 Wisbech & Upwell Tramway Cars, 10 wagons, and started a ex GER, LNER 50' bogie 3rd. 
     
    By over the last few months I have been focusing on the layout itself. I hope you enjoy the photo's if you have questions please feel free to ask me. The First two photo's are the most recent, but the last three are little older as the track has all been weathered since. 

     




  19. Norton Wood
    Hello again, 
     
    After a bit of work I have finished the building work on the J68, so it'll be a bit brief, but I would like a bit of help from the vast group of experienced modelers out there...
     
     
     
    Anyway, the kit has reached a stage where the fittings have been going on. So since the last update, I've fitted all the cab and boiler fittings, for this I have used Araldite to hold these parts together, apart from the lifting lugs which I have been white metal soldered in place which has meant that the Air Vents on the tanks are now soldered in place too!!
     

     
    Further work has moved to the fitting of the injectors and relevant pipe work. Plus the fitting of the brake blocks and brake rigging. This is where the problems are, since fitting the blocks and rigging I have found that the locomotive is Arc-ing when the power is running, now this has not happened before since I fitted the blocks & rigging. 
     
    Further work has been carried out on the Vacuum, air pipes, Steam Heat Pipe work. The reason for painting this is prepared before being glued in, this is also because of the numbers on the buffer beam, my plan is once the decals are in along with the varnish I will glue the pipework using Araldite, but not too much as they need to look smart. Further work has included the Destination boards, interestingly the kit comes with two boards (Right) which I intend to put into the back of the cab on the brackets. Because I didn't see that these brackets, and disks I bought some more from Ragstone Models. The spare set which I now have can be used on the loco when running. Please note the really smart looking backhead and finished oil can. 
     
     

     

     
    What I'd like to know is it the Rigging as it's so close to the track? The photo below is an old(ish) one, but I thought it might help. I have moved the brake blocks back away from the tyre, they are roughly 1.5 - 2mm away. So if you have any idea's to help me that would be appreciated. 
     

     
     
    All in all the model is ready for painting, just a bit more cleaning to do before I put this into Primer, but it won't be too long before further work is carried out!!
     
    Thanks 
    Tom
     
  20. Norton Wood
    Hello everyone, 
     
    First keep safe during these uncertain times and look after yourselves! Anyway...time for some more modelling!!
     
    So what has been going on since the very short update in part 4? 
     
    A lot has changed for the layout, in the sense that I've been able to do far more on the board and prepare for further work, planning is in place for all the wiring to go in plus the placement of all the isolating sections and wires which will carry the current over when running the layout in full swing. 
     
    Coaching Stock
     
    61'6 to 52'6 Stock
     
    Interestingly I was with members of my model club before the social distancing and other measures were put in place, myself and other members of the club looked on as my LNER J15 7649 pulled a pair of LNER 61'6 Teaks along the layout  ( set on an M&GN Layout in the 30's) A discussion broke out about the correct type of LNER Gresley's which would be used, I brought up 61'6 & the GE shortened variant. As I've seen photo's of Cambridge in the 30's with 61'6 stock behind Ex GER loco's bound for Norwich. However looking through my documents, websites and books. Asking questions and receiving answers from some better clued in people other than myself. ( I'm very much learning on the job as it were) I found and have interpenetrated the information this way...
     
    Because of the GE's signaling system it was designed around vehicles which were 54" long only. Which meant that anything longer would not fit in the track circuits between signals ( This was particularly around Liverpool St and the surrounding Suburban area. So LNER 61'6 stock tended to operate in other area's such as Cambridge - Norwich etc. Which was rather annoying but also a relief, simply because I currently only have 2 Hornby LNER 61'6 stock ( 3rd/1st Comp brake & All 3rd ) Which meant that I will need to get some kits and begin building a series of coaches to form short trains for the layout. Fortunately Isinglass, the chap who made the LNER Late Quint Art Set, has almost got a full set of LNER 52'6 kits already done, which means I can just order and build a kit very quickly. 
     
    The fantastic bit for me is Isinglass has almost built the full set of 52'6 LNER Teaks, the 1st Open being the last on the list to do, in my case I would like to get a full brake to add to the LNER Parcels/ Milk train which the layout is due to have. The plan will be to order 2 kits to begin with, those being the LNER Full 3rd Compartment & the Full 3rd Brake, that way I can slowly build up the standard passenger stock for MEP and overall have a larger fleet of LNER GE stock which would be far more appropriate for the layout, of course the LNER Early Quint will sit on the fence for now as I plan to work on a few of these 52'6 Teaks. However, I am hoping (no doubt someone will correct me) I can run a set of 2 61'6 stock behind a D16/3 as if it's on a stopper train from Cambridge to MEP.
     

    After what I've learnt...Perhaps an in-accurate scene for a layout on the LNER GE section...But it does look nice - Although you can see how long this photograph was taken as the track, and layout look far my sophisticated. 
     
    Wagons 
     
    With the 2 Parkside LNER Fish Vans & LNER General Good's van complete, I thought it was about time I looked into weathering this stock, at the time I owned 2 LNER RTR weathered wagons by TMC, and I thought I'd look to do the same level, only that weathering on vans wasn't as clear cut as TMC make it look. Which is why these results came out...
     

     
    For those interested this is the full 5 Van set of the LNER Fish Train I wanted to set up I was given an extra LNER Fish Van to do to complete the train meaning I could finally complete the set and make these vans look used because after even a few months of work they would have been weathered and certainly not look as good as they once did. I also wanted to make it appear as though the LNER was phasing the older LNER 10ft Fish van out ( Bachamann model) for the 12ft variant ( Parkside kits) 
     
    Following the vans I moved to my very clean Private Owner Coal Wagons, using a bit of dry brushing and some weathering powders I was able to get a fantastic effect on the model which was also added to when I went to weather the LNER Fruit vans, again following phoot's from the W&U Tramway, to get an understanding for the layout. 
     

     

     
    Finally ending withe a two in one, photo. Here you can see the undercoat showing through the Bauxite paint here on the final LNER Fish Van, not to worry a second coat will solve that problem, but in the background you can see the LNER Horsebox which has now gone into Gloss Varnish, while I apply the transfers, I hope to get some transfers with the words " Return to Newmarket" and a few other little bits, if anyone can help with locating these that would be grand. I may go do Old Time Workshop as I did for the LNER wagon decals.  
     
     
    Layout
     
    This has taken a massive step forwards, with the cutting and fitting of the backscene. Doing this with a good sunny afternoon. The back scene was cut to size very quickly and I was able to get the best out of the wood I had, and cut and fit the tunnel mouth backscene. After a trip to hobbycraft (possibly for the last time in a while, I was safe while doing so being sure to keep my distance ) I picked up some grey paint and a few brushes and gave the backscene a good coat of grey paint. Doing so has given the layout quite a bit of life I must say. 
     
    Following this trail fitting the retaining walls began, the following day I then using some Gorilla PVA glue I fitted the back scenes into place for the last time. While leaving the back scenes to dry I put the tack back down and put some locomotives down for creating and setting the scene for the look which Mile End Park is looking to produce. I have to say I'm very happy with how it's gone for the layout, the rolling stock & locomotives do really give a good view for the whole scene. 
     
    Track work wise, the only addition is the second to last point I need for the layout being a RH point coming off the loco road running onto the mainline. I have increased the size of that yard space so I can fit a B17 & N7 or a pair of J15's together. Of course the head shunt is designed with the 1500 & 2800 (B12 & B17) in mind as they were the biggest engines the LNER (GE) had to operate the line. So it stands that the head shunt and yard are not big enough to fit more than 3 locomotives on duty at any one point. 
     

     
    J15 7847 brings in the market goods train into Mile End Park 
     

     
    N7 7993 Departs on the Morning Quint service for London Liverpool St. 
  21. Norton Wood
    Overall since the last update, the layout has seen a few minor pieces of progress. But as you know I am waiting on PECO to bring out the Bullhead double Slip which sadly modelers are not due to see till the end of the year!! However, I thought I'd take this part to look at some of the wagons and other vehicles I have been working on since I began doing the MEP Project. 
     
     
    Wagons
     
    Since the layout was being built I thought about having various freight sets operate on the layout, featuring different operations, the idea showing the first couple of trains of the morning being the postal,fish,fruit & cattle. All which I need to build set's up for them. As shown in Part 2 I was beginning the process of moving away from the RTR market for railway vehicles. Due to cost but also for added fun, as I have a good level of experience when doing kits due to my kit building past with model tanks. 
     
    Anyway I have so far 4 of the 5 required Fish Vans to complete the set, I also managed to pickup a 2nd of the 3 required General Goods Vans which the Oxford Rail GE Van will make up the third. They have gone through the process of undercoat, painting and now are in gloss awaiting decals. In a post I put up earlier I seem to have lost my instructions for the LNER Fish Vans, so I am stuck regarding applying the decals until I put onto the vans, until then they will have to sit in gloss varnish. The chances are I will be ordering or purchasing another LNER Fish van before then, so I can finish the set and catch up to the rest of the vehicles. 
     

     
    As you can see the LNER General Van (Right) next to the RTR Bachmann equivalent. The paint job really did come out well on this, for those interested I used the Rail Match 
    BR Bauxite Brown, which is close enough to the LNER Brown used on most if not all the general goods vans and specific vans. 
     
     

     
    As you can see the kit builds are in the middle of the set in the photo, I was told by another modeler that he could not tell, the differences between the kit and RTR model, bar the weathering, From my perspective I can tell quite easily, what does the reader think?? Adding smaller details on these was fairly difficult, for example I applied the white written on the Fish Vans, this took some time as it was a steady hand, and a small piece of paint on the end of a cocktail stick to try and add depth to the model. Finally on the right you can see the van's in there coat of Gloss Varnish in readiness for the decals to be applied once I either find the instructions OR someone is kind to give me a photograph of said photo's. I will note that the gloss looks quite blobby on the vans, but as I look at them now about 3/4 hours since it went on it's been subsiding and it'll look a lot smoother later tomorrow morning.
     

     
    Finally we end on the LNER Horsebox, those keen eyed of you will have noticed the LNER Thompson BG in one particular photo, this was given to me to apply decals to the model so another one of my mates can finish it off, as it's been a few years in the pipeline. Anyway, Originally I painted this Horsebox into the Golden Teak liver by Phoenix Paints, in my mind this looked great as it was going on, however, after many months of leaving it on the side planning what to with with it. My mate who painted the BG explained what he used for the LNER Wood painted colour he used. I took advise and at end of work today I painted the vehicle into this brown colour ( Humbrol Gloss No.9) Of course this will be put into a Matt or Satin finish once I have completed what I'm doing but it does look rather good. I think I may need to apply another 1 or 2 coats to get the most out of the paint or I may leave it and prepare it for decals. We shall see
     
     

     
     
    Anyway, that all but concludes the MEP Part 4 - Not massive but necessary for the whole of the project. 
  22. Norton Wood
    Having not progressed further with the layout it was about time I started to focus on the layout more...Here's the progress so far. 
     
     
    I found myself watching a video on You Tube by Everard Junction, in this video he was laying his track to be more in scale to what he was actually modelling. At the time I was using this to make notes and use it to develop my skills base, until he showed that he was using a Peco Code 75 single slip as a place holder for his future bullhead variant, he stated that 'Peco intended to keep the geometry of the slips the same' So he didn't need to worry about the point not fitting into the same space. So because of that very small piece of information I was able to begin, the major kick start for MEP.  As I do not have access to a double slip at home, nor do I have enough money to afford the slip, I went to Peco's website and found there track diagrams, where you are able to print off diagrams for various pieces of point work, following the information by Everard Junction, I printed out the correct Code 75 Double Slip. 
     

     
    With that said, I began by placing the relevant track in the correct places, marking it and then placing the track in close proximity, once doing that I could begin to work the track down toward the stations. The Up line was the most simple, only requiring a LH near the tunnel entrance and near the end of the board close to Platform 1. Whereas the Down ( Heading towards the platforms) had a LH to connect forming the loop, entering a Double Slip and a second LH Point splitting the track to form P2 and the siding.  Cutting the track was the main aim to get a foothold of what the trackplan was going to look like once the track was together, this was also where the photo of the double slip would come into play as it would give me a guide for the placement for the rest of the track. Simply because the double slip is the most crucial part of the layout build.  Following this I began cutting the track, placing the points roughly where they were going. Cutting the track down was always the fun/ difficult job, but using a rotary saw was great to get the accuracy, as you can see in the photo below I am one RH point missing which splits between the double slip and the Up road toward the fiddle yard. 
     

     
    From this point (Photo's Above & Below) I was sufficiently happy that the track plan was decided, then began the process for gluing the cork down, once I began I realized after rolling it out that I didn't have enough (which was very annoying) myself and Rob (who's part of the W&RMRC) we cut the cork down so we could build a shoulder and had enough to do the current set amount of track covering the baseboard. Once dry I'll cut some strips to form the shoulder edges as the track moves towards the tunnel mouth. 
     

     
    Following getting the track to this point we began the plan to lay the cork underlay, following a few photo's from various reference points from the 1930's around the East End, I was able to gain an understanding for the signalling and ballasting, as most track like this tended not to have high shoulders as it tended to be level across an area like this. However the shoulder drops off near the back of the board to allow for the signal box & New LNER Concrete P-Way Hut.
     

     
    This is as far as I was able to get with the layout that day, I allowed the glue to dry for a good two and a half hours (with some small weights on top) before we put the board into the car, and laid the weights on again. A 30 minute drive home in a warm car (which helped) I carried the board inside the house and waited till the glue had sufficiently dried before I thought about rough placement of the track and back scenes on once again. 
     

     
    As you can see the difference a good nights sleep makes, the photo on the left shows the glue drying still, though this photo was taken the same evening that the cork had been laid. But waiting till the following day I was able to focus the work and put everything back into place for now before I begin to focus permanently placing the track work, but again I cannot do that until I've bought one more RH point and the Double slip which we currently have in the form of the Peco cut out. 
     
    Finally on mixed note, the Mile End Park Locomotive fleet has come back to full strength, with the return of the '1500' As my LNER B12 4-6-0 returned to the layout from Hornby quite un-unexpectedly. The model returned and sadly didn't operate, bare in mind the model had already gone back to Hornby on 3 other separate occasions , making her return the 4th time!! I got to the end of my tether at this point, so I decided to fix the problem myself, long story short I found the tender or Motor on the engine has been wired incorrectly, therefore the whole model was shorting out. A simple job of swapping the wires and the engine was purring like a kitten, in addition I found engine had been flooded with oil, so I had to clean it up, I mean I know it's a steam engine but it really didn't oil covering the pick ups and wires I did have to wash my hands after all that!! But never mind, she runs, and the 1500 (B12) along with my 2800 ( B17) will be the main 4-6-0's to operate MEP. So I'm very glad to have the layout up to strength, I just need to focus on the LNER N7's now to build up that section of the fleet and hold out for an LNER E4, J17 & J19. 
     

     
     
    So until next time folks thanks for reading
     
    Cheers Tom 
     
     
     
  23. Norton Wood
    Good Evening, 
     
    Layout Build Update: 
    Lots have happened since the last update so let's catch up...
     
    I had to face facts between when I wrote the first part stating "I hoped to have an operational trackbed by Christmas". This couldn't happen simply because the layout requires 2 more Bullhead LH points and 1 more RH point, plus the new Peco Code 75 Bullhead Double slip has not hit the shelves yet, and this is the most critical piece in the layout's operational design. Peco stated it was to be in production in January of 2020, so hopefully I'll be able to get the point in Mid 2020, while I focus on getting the rest of the track work. But I have been able to move my first locomotives on MEP which I have being using a brand new Gaugemaster Combi controller. I have plans set to purchase the second scenic board, alongside purchasing the wood to form the back scene. This way I can have everything together before the the first pieces of underlay and track go down. 
     
    Signal Box 
     
    With the Signal box, work has been steady going but it has been finished. Being the first piece of MEP complete, with the Quints shortly following. Since the last update I was able to get my hands on the LCUT Interior kit, build, paint and fit this into the box and purchase a Model U Signalman, and most importantly he has a cup of tea in his hand. (Railway's run on tea) 
     

     
    Carriage & Wagon Update:  
     
    Coaches: 
     
    The first set of two, being the LNER GE's mainstay Suburban coaches between 1935 -39, the Later LNER Gresley Quint Articulated Set has been completed, you can read the progress on my blog updates. This has given me a boost for the build as a whole and has allowed me to feel a lot better as I had fears that one base board wouldn't take the set. Combined with the recent tests at my local model club and having rectified any issues with the bogies, I can say they run very smoothly through code 100 point work and knowing how good Peco's Code 75 Bullhead is, I've become very confident in the coaches operation on the layout in future. 
     

    This photo (Left) was used in Part 7 of the Quint build. So as you can see the glue n glaze hasn't been applied yet.
    This photo (Right) was before the transfers were applied but the stock was operational.
     
     
    Wagons & Vans
     
    The only major thing that has occurred is the  re-numbering of all my LNER duplicate vehicles, this includes; 4 Oxford Cattle Vans - 2 Bachmann Fruit vans, 1 Bachmann Fish Van and 1 Hornby LNER Toad B Brake Van, they have now had there printed numbered replaced with new numbers allowing more accurate modelling and the ability to run a full set without having to see  eg. 196152 on all my wagons in the fleet, it's just nice to see different numbers on all the vehicles. For those interested the numbers are decals which have come from 'Old Time Workshop'. In addition to this I have also slightly weathered them, and particularly for the Bachmann Fish & Fruit vans I have painted there roofs grey. Plus the White walls on the tyres of the fruit vans have been removed by painting them in mix of humbrol black & dark grey. Eventually I'll look to weather the under frames so show brake dust and other grime. 
     

     
    The Oxford Rail Cattle vans look no different accept the number change, I will need to weather them, but do it in such a way where it matches the weathering on the wagon.  I'll be looking into how these vehicles weathered over time, to ensure the best result.
     
    Moving to kits 
     
    Furthermore work has also progressed as I was able to get my hands on a Chivers LNER Pigeon Van, I've painted the LNER Teak effect, but focused on the grain effect which these vehicles had. As some with know this vehicle is used at the NNR combined with there LNER Quad Art Set, but this will not be carried out on MEP as this will be part of the Mail train that will be seen on the layout in future, in this photo I have applied the decals to the model, numbering the van as 6847. Also because of the recent cost of Bachmann's latest weathered LNER Fish Vans I felt I didn't want to pay £21.50 for a LNER Fish van when I could pick up the Parkside kits and complete them for less than £21.50. So with that said I picked up 2 LNER 10 ton, 12ft Fish Vans, these being slightly longer than the Bachmann model (which I assume is based on the 10ft variant) however I do think the 12ft version looks much better than the 10ft so think it's a win in that regards. These kits are awaiting there Vacuum pipes, once they have arrived I intend to fit them and the steam heating pipes. Further work is required there and will be seen in future updates with the rolling stock. 
     
     

     
    MEP Locomotive Fleet Update 
     
    LNER J15 7649 & LNER J15 7847
     
    These two make a return to MEP after departing for weathering, 7847 has been fitted with a set of Ramsbottom Safety Valves and lightly weathered, demonstrating how it may have looked at Cambridge in 1936. Interestingly the engine remained their till 1940, so it would have likely been seen at Stratford on freight working, so more than welcome on MEP.
     
    As for 7649, this was based a Stratford from built in 1899 till 1939 when she moved to Colchester and back to Stratford the same year. Interestingly a photo in the Yeadons Book on LNER J15's demonstrates the loco hauling a pair of Quints (10 Car set) what I have deduced as set No's 39 I, considering this was a heavy train at this point, it's quite impressive to see a J15 doing this working.  She will be part of the group of engines which is designated to haul the Quints on MEP along with other LNER Passenger services. That way the layout has two J15's performing two very different roles. 
     

     
     
     
     
     
    So that completes the end of the blog for today. So thank you for reading!
     
    Thanks 
    Tom 
  24. Norton Wood
    A Happy New year to my readers, 
     
     
    Sadly, like all good things this project is nearly at an end, but with the end of this project it allows me to begin and continue the MILE END PARK layout build. As I said at the beginning of this project the quints play the most important roll on the layout, acting as the mainstream of suburban working into the capital. This and other pieces of rolling stock which I have been working on for sometime in the background have allowed me to build quite the operational roster for the layout as a whole. Of course the aim will be to have two operational Quints on the layout and I'll likely do a 
    comparison blog on the Early & Late sets 
     
    At the end of the last part the coaches were left ready to go into primer and being the painting phase, The first thing I did was put the coaches into all over white, this way there would be a better application for the paint when it is applied. Once completed I masked the Yellow up and had the coaches painted all over black. Removing the masking meant that I could look into painting the teak coat.
     

     
     
     
    Having spoken to a number of people about the teak process, it became clear it's not something you can easily replicate with a paint brush, this is why looking at Hornby's LNER 61ft.6in stock is quite difficult to match or even attempt to replicate. Teak is something that LNER modelers have to work at and practice even after that the coaches will all look different, which is exactly how they would have looked back when operating under the LNER. So, with this in mind I wasn't too worried if the coaches looked very different from each other.  I took an old Hornby 4 wheeler and practiced this effect, because my nerves gave out. I refused to do the quints first, having recently built a Chivers LNER Pigeon Van kit, I tested the teak effect on the body side, with a stiff brush and giving a very high result. I thought "okay I'm ready to do this". So a few day's ago I took the plunge and painted the full set, with a good set of results. The final task was the paint the window frames on the doors, with was a job which needed a steady hand and a very fine brush. All but one of the coaches had this done, and I'll let you see in the video below which one it was. 
     
     

     
     
    Following this, I took the coaches out on test at my model club at the Whitwell & Reepham Railway, in this I was able to run an LNER N7 with a Quint of Teaks. I think it looked very smart, the video below demonstrates this. There are two video's available showing the teaks operating on the layout. 
     
     
     
    After a bit of running in and a good number of photo's taken which make the header of the project. I will say the coaches run extremely smoothly now and that Isinglass has done a fantastic job to insure that they've not causes or had any problems when running. After a bit of time I took the coaches in for the final little jobs, painting any area's where the black had some of the wood paint applied, this also went for the foot boards, and some of the coach ends.  I then began the task of painting the door handles and grab handles in LNER Teak (Brown) paint, a result which has turned out quite nicely. Concluding the paint work, I gave the Quint's roofs one more final coat of paint, just so I can have a really smooth and nice surface. With that completed only a few job's remained.  
     
    Transfers 
     
    In terms of what I like doing the most, transfers are my favorite task in modeling. Having modeled Military tanks for many years and not actually completed any railway kits, I must admit I was getting quite excited about finishing this project. Following the drawings, I noted that LNER coaches have the LNER lettering and Numbers at each end of the set, however they are opposites on each coach. Which was an interesting thing to get used too. 
     
     

     

     

    (Above) This was one of my favorite details to add to the coaches when I completed this end, it made the coach end stand out and it certainly looked different! 
     

     
    Having completed the transfers, this is a major milestone for the whole project. At this point I'd like to say I'm very happy how this has turned out, the paint work has set off the transfers and I think it certainly looks like teak. I do look forward to doing an Early Quint set and the East Anglian at some point just to have another challenge and see set out the backbone of Mile End Park's operational fleet. 
     
    In the next part which will be the end of this build, I'll aim to put the final coat of white on the roofs, apply a Satin varnish on the sides & Matt varnish on the ends, followed by re-gluing a few seats, applying Glue n Glaze to the windows and finally sealing the figures into the coaches for the last time. 
     
    So until next time...
     
     
  25. Norton Wood
    Well, here we go...
     
     
    Since the new-plan, and my re-hash to the whole project, I've been designing track plans and gathering materials. 
     
    Baseboard:
     
    The track diagram presented in the photo's below, this shows how complicated piece this layout will be, this diagram excludes signaling as I would like to speak to someone in the know about LNER Suburban Signaling, so if anyone can help that would be marvelous. The boards are 4ft in length and just over 1ft wide. This is so the Bachman retaining wall pieces are a match and allow the board to fit in a tight space at home. The only things that are not shown in the photo below are; the double slip which will go in linking the two points on the LH side allow locos to run from P1, P2 or P3 onto the siding. Plus the road that'll come off the siding going towards the LH side of the layout. This will be a small stabling point for the loco's on the layout mainly, of course, the LNER N7 or J15, that'll end roughly where the track rubber sits in the photo. 
     

     
    As you can see board 1 is the most complicated and is where I'm currently putting most of my focus into, the aim will be that before Christmas the track will be down and board prepped for electrical working. So I can have some locomotives running on there over the festive period. So far as you can see the track has been loosely laid and some trains have been set up to give an impression of what could be seen on the layout in the future. 
     
     
     
    Modeling work:
     
    So far some small projects have been carried out on the layout, mainly in the form of the Signal box and retaining walls and tunnel mouth. Firstly with the retaining walls and tunnel mouth, these are the low relieve versions produced by Bachmann, sadly when you get them they are painted blue, but have no signs of cement in-between the brickwork. So I've taken a wash using Humbrol No. 30, washing the brickwork and then taking some kitchen cloth, and rubbing the excess off. Following this, I've then taken Military modeling powders and dirt washes to the walls with successful results. This has then been repeated to 11 more retaining walls and the tunnel mouth, allowing a limited result to be completed. As this was able to set off the old Mile End Park with the weathering and brickwork painting it'll allow this layout to look completely different. 
     
     

     
    As for the Signal box, this has been a project that I've been able to complete in a week, the kit is from LCUT, who produce laser cut kits, producing a number of different signal box kits. I purchased the medium-sized kit, which gives you the choice in building an LH entrance or RH entrance to the signal box. I chose the LH entrance as the signal box needs to face towards the public, and have a view looking at everything going on. During the build, I wanted to add a bit of modeling interest, so I cut out one of the window frames out of the card. I thought I'd move it a little too the left so it appears that the signalman has moved it open a jar so he can get a bit of "Fresh air" not that it's fresh as it's London but still, it was fun to do. Finally 
     

     

     

     
    I think it's turned out rather well, the plan is to put the LCUT interior kit into the box so the box has that little more detail. 
     
    So with that said, I'll leave it there till part 2, I hope to have all the trackwork I need for the Board 1 and I aim to get it all together ready for Christmas.  
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